Ratcheted lift mechanism

ABSTRACT

The present invention is related generally to hoists, and more particularly to a hoist system for safely raising, storing, and lowering loads.

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 11/879,998filed Jul. 19, 2007 which claims priority on Application No. 60/832,166filed Jul. 20, 2006, the disclosures of which are incorporated byreference herein.

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is related generally to hoists, and moreparticularly to a hoist system for safely raising, storing, and loweringloads.

Storage for recreational equipment such as bicycles, canoes, kayaks, andother equipment is sometimes considered inefficient because of spacelimitations in garages, basements, and sheds. Recreational equipmenttends to consume much-needed space and may be inconvenient to access andload onto vehicles when desired. Consequently, storage and use ofrecreational equipment can inhibit consumers from using, enjoying, andeven purchasing such equipment due to storage space limitations.

Various racks and hoist systems are available for consumer use, but theytend to be complicated, unsafe, and have space consuming problems oftheir own. There is, therefore, a need for a simple and safe system forstoring recreational gear and other equipment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a hoist system for raising,storing, and lowering loads in a safe and efficient manner. The hoist iseasily and safely used to store recreational equipment in residentialgarages and sheds to optimize space by storing such equipment overhead.

Also, the present invention can be used in garages so that vehicles canbe positioned under the hoist system so that equipment can be directlyraised from and lowered to the vehicles and/or racks connected to thevehicles. Such an arrangement simplifies loading and unloading ofrecreational equipment and may be compatible with specialized vehicleracks.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of a lift mechanism in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the lift mechanism of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of a ratchet mechanism inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a ratchet mechanism in accordance withthe present invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a pulley for use in the lift mechanismin accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6 is another perspective view of a pulley for use in the liftmechanism in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a pulley combination for use in a liftmechanism in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a ratcheted lift mechanism and pulleyarrangement in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a ratchet mechanism secured to anoverhead joist in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view of a ratcheted lift mechanism witha side eyelet for securing a pull chain in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 11 is a detailed perspective view of the eyelet of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is an exploded view of a ratchet mechanism in accordance withthe present invention;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a lift system using two ratchetmechanisms in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a lift mechanism employing a commondrive shaft and pulley combination for lifting multiple objects inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a ratchet mechanism in accordance withthe present invention with a cover removed to show that it is loweringan object;

FIG. 16 is a side view of the ratchet mechanism of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the ratchet mechanism in a liftingmode; and

FIG. 18 is a side view of the ratchet mechanism of FIG. 17 in a liftingmode.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A hoist system 20 in accordance with the present invention is depictedin FIGS. 1 through 18. The hoist system 20 includes a hoist 22, passivepulleys 24, supporting cables 26, and a drive chain 28. The hoist system20 may also include a storage platform 30 (FIG. 13) or straps 32(FIG. 1) or hooks 34 (FIG. 14) to engage and support a load.

As seen in FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 7, 10, 13 and 14, the storage system 20 ispreferably used to lift, store, and lower loads such as recreationalequipment 40, including boats, kayaks, bicycles, and other gear orboxes. The storage system 20 of the present invention is preferablyinstalled in garages to optimize storage space, and is more preferablystored above an area where an automobile can be driven so that loads canbe directly raised from and lowered to the automobile. For example, akayak can be raised and lowered directing to a roof-top rack on anautomobile by installing the hoist system 20 of the present invention ina garage ceiling.

The hoist 22 includes a frame 42 defined by a first portion 44 and asecond portion 46 that are joined by screws 48 to house at least some ofthe moveable components. There is also included a drive shaft 50extending through an opening 52 defined by the frame 42. On each end ofthe drive shaft 50, there are spools 56 for receiving the supportingcables 26, although the supporting cables 26 could be attached directlyto the drive shaft 50. Preferably, the drive shaft 50 is square orrectangular in cross-section to obviate the need for keys that will fixits movement with other moving components.

Inside the first and second portions 44 and 46 of the frame 42, thereare a ratchet gear 60, a drive gear 62, a pawl 64 for engaging theratchet gear 60, a spring 66 for biasing the pawl 64 into engagementwith the ratchet gear 60, and a pair of bearings 68 for supporting theratchet gear 60 and the drive gear 62 in the frame 42. The drive chain28 is disposed between the ratchet gear 60 and the drive gear 62.Preferably, the drive chain 28 is endless for ease of operation. It maybe coated with plastic or in a protective sleeve to prevent damage to auser's hands or nearby vehicles and equipment.

The ratchet gear 60 and drive gear 62 are preferably joined togetherwith screws 70 to maintain the drive chain 28 in place and maintainpositive contact between the components as they move with little or noslippage. The pawl 64 pivots in the frame 42 about an integral pin 80that mates with appropriate recesses 82 in the frame 42.

As illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14, the drive shaft 50 can extend fromone frame 42 to a passive hoist 72 that is axially aligned with thehoist 22. In this manner, a single drive chain 28 can be used to operatetwo or more hoists 22 and 72.

Referring back to FIGS. 15 through 18, to operate the hoist system 22,the drive chain 28 is pulled in one direction to raise a load. The drivechain 28 rotates the drive gear 62 and the ratchet gear 60, which inturn rotates the drive shaft 50 and spools 56. A support cable 26 joinedto the spool 56 will then be wound up and will raise the load connectedto the support cable 26. Mechanical advantage for the operator can begained by using known pulley arrangements, if desired.

Accidental lowering of the load is prevented because the pawl 64 isbiased is by the spring 66 into engagement with the ratchet gear 60,which prevents counter-rotation of the drive shaft 50.

To lower the load, the drive chain 26 is pulled outward (FIGS. 15 and16) away from the ratchet gear 60, and against the pawl 64. When enoughforce is applied against the pawl 64 to overcome the bias of the spring66, the pawl 64 will no longer engage the ratchet gear 60 and the loadcan be lowered. If the load moves too quickly or the operator loses agrip on the drive chain 28, the spring 66 will reengage the pawl 64 withthe ratchet gear 60 and present further downward movement.

Preferably the hoist system 20 is joined to the structure of a garagesuch as ceiling joists using screws, bolts, or a releasable system suchas the FLIP CLIP clamp sold by Inspire Design Group, LLC of 2219 EagleDrive, Middleton, Wis. 53562, Ph. 608-836-8180.

1. A hoist system comprising: a frame; a drive shaft rotatably joined tothe frame; a ratchet gear fixed to the drive shaft for rotationtherewith and rotatable in a raising direction and in a loweringdirection; a drive gear joined to the drive shaft for rotationtherewith; a pawl pivotally joined to the frame and biased towardengagement with the ratchet gear to prevent rotation of the ratchet gearin the lowering direction; a drive chain in engagement with the drivegear to rotate the ratchet gear and the drive shaft, and the drive chainis engageable with the pawl for disengaging the pawl from the ratchetgear to permit the ratchet gear to rotate in the lowering direction; anda spool fixed to the drive shaft for rotation therewith.
 2. The hoistsystem of claim 1, and further comprising: a support cable joined to thespool.
 3. The hoist system of claim 1, and further comprising: a supportcable having a first end portion joined to the spool; and a passivepulley engaged by the support cable.
 4. The hoist system of claim 1, andfurther comprising: a support cable having a first end portion joined tothe spool; a passive pulley engaged by the support cable; and a storageplatform joined to a second end portion of the support cable.
 5. Thehoist system of claim 1, and further comprising: a support cable havinga first end portion joined to the spool; a passive pulley engaged by thesupport cable; and a strap joined to a second end portion of the supportcable.
 6. The hoist system of claim 1, and further comprising: a supportcable having a first end portion joined to the spool; a passive pulleyengaged by the support cable; and a hook joined to a second end portionof the supporting cable.
 7. The hoist system of claim 1, and furthercomprising: a second spool fixed to the drive shaft for rotationtherewith.
 8. The hoist system of claim 1, and further comprising: asecond spool fixed to the drive shaft for rotation therewith; and asupport cable joined to the second spool.
 9. The hoist system of claim1, and further comprising: a support cable joined to the second spool;and a passive pulley engaged by the support cable.
 10. The hoist systemof claim 1, and further comprising: a second spool fixed to the driveshaft for rotation therewith; a support cable having a first end portionjoined to the second spool; a passive pulley engaged by the supportcable; and a storage platform joined to a second end portion of thesupport cable.
 11. The hoist system of claim 1, and further comprising:a second spool fixed to the drive shaft for rotation therewith; asupport cable having a first end portion joined to the second spool; apassive pulley engaged by the support cable; and a strap joined to asecond end portion of the support cable.
 12. The hoist system of claim1, and further comprising: a second spool fixed to the drive shaft forrotation therewith; a support cable having a first end portion joined tothe second spool; a passive pulley engaged by the support cable; and ahook joined to a second end portion of the support cable.
 13. The hoistsystem of claim 1, wherein the drive shaft has a transverse cross-section that is square in shape.
 14. A hoist system comprising: a frame;a drive shaft rotatably joined to the frame; a ratchet gear fixed to thedrive shaft for rotation therewith a drive gear joined to the driveshaft; a pawl pivotally joined to the frame and biased toward engagementwith the ratcheted gear; a drive chain in engagement with the drive gearto rotate the drive shaft, the ratchet gear and the drive shaft, and thedrive chain is engageable with the pawl for disengaging the pawl fromthe ratchet gear; and a support cable joined to the drive shaft.
 15. Ahoist system comprising: a drive shaft; a frame rotatably joined to thedrive shaft; a ratchet gear fixed to the drive shaft for rotationtherewith and rotatable in a raising direction and in a loweringdirection; a drive gear joined to the drive shaft; a pawl pivotallyjoined to the frame and biased toward engagement with the ratchet gearto prevent rotation of the ratchet gear in the lowering direction; adrive chain in engagement with the drive gear to rotate the ratchetgear, and the drive shaft, and the drive chain is engageable with thepawl for disengaging the pawl from the ratchet gear to permit theratchet gear to rotate in the lowering direction; and a passive hoistjoined to the drive shaft and spaced apart from the frame.
 16. The hoistsystem of claim 15, and further comprising: a support cable joined tothe drive shaft.
 17. The hoist system of claim 15, and furthercomprising: a spool fixed to the drive shaft for rotation therewith. 18.The hoist system of claim 15, and further comprising: a spool fixed tothe drive shaft for rotation therewith; and a support cable joined tothe spool.
 19. The hoist system of claim 15, and further comprising: afirst spool fixed to the drive shaft for rotation therewith; and asecond spool fixed to the drive shaft for rotation therewith.
 20. Thehoist system of claim 15, and further comprising: a spool disposedadjacent to the passive hoist and fixed to the drive shaft for rotationtherewith; and a support cable joined to the spool.